VA Disability Rating for Bell's Palsy (7th Cranial Nerve)
Rated 10% moderate / 20% severe / 30% complete paralysis of the 7th cranial nerve.
Bell's palsy and other 7th cranial nerve disorders (DC 8207) are rated by severity of incomplete or complete paralysis. Most cases of acute Bell's resolve, but persistent residual weakness, synkinesis, or dryness can be rated.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Complete paralysis. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
How to get rated for bell's palsy (7th cranial nerve)
- Neurology evaluation + facial-nerve function testing.
- Photos / video documenting facial asymmetry.
- Document any residuals: dry eye, taste change, synkinesis (involuntary co-movement).
Common secondary conditions
- +Dry eye (lagophthalmos)
- +Taste disturbance
- +Depression (cosmetic)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- In-service Bell's palsy episode documented in STRs is the foundation — even if acute case resolved, persistent residuals are ratable.
- Lyme disease–related Bell's palsy: pursue under tick-borne illness pathway if applicable.
Frequently asked
I had Bell's palsy in service and recovered fully. Should I file?
File to establish service-connection at 0% — this preserves your right to file for future flares or recurrent episodes without restarting the nexus argument.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.